# riffle

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɹɪfəl/ · frequency rank #75,361

## Definitions
1. A swift, shallow part of a stream causing broken water.
2. A succession of small waves.
3. A trough or sluice having cleats, grooves, or steps across the bottom for holding quicksilver and catching particles of gold when auriferous earth is washed. Also one of the cleats, grooves or steps in such trough.
4. A quick skim through the pages of a book.
5. Synonym of riffle shuffle
6. The sound made while shuffling cards.

## Etymology
Possible alteration of ruffle, from Middle English ruffelen, akin to Low German ruffelen (“to crumple”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/riffle